Need help with moisture in the garage.

[dheavychevy38]

So this is the first full year we are in our home. The problem I have is we live in a raised ranch and the garage is under our home. Yesterday was nasty humid here and when I went into the garage my tool box was dripping water off the face and all the tools where covered in sweat. I setup fans to try to get some air movement. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do to try to save my stuff. I plan to get a dehumidifier. Thanks in advance.

 

[rockin kw]

Install couple of exhaust fans on a timer. Helps with airflow. Done on a barn and shop. Helped quite a bit

 

[76zimmer]

the problem is the ground under the concrete and perhaps your walls if they are under ground level, are cool, then the warm humid air comes in and condenses on the cool surfaces....I had the same issue for many years...when I built my shop I insulated it, then put in electric wall heaters and ceiling fans....I DO NOT open the door on those humid days at all. I also have an A/C unit to run on the hot humid days, not only does it cool, but it keeps the humidity out of the shop.
Don't use a ventless propane heater either, as when they burn fuel they create moisture in the combustion process.

 

[dyeager535]

Would it help to insulate the garage door?

I would *assume* that if the temperature swings are slower the condensation won't be as bad? Or is that not true?

I do know though, that if you have the ability to ventilate the space, that will stop it as well. I just imagine an underground garage probably doesn't have a whole lot of options to be ventilated easily. A giant screen door? lol

 

[dheavychevy38]

It does have two windows that open. I was thinking of putting a osciltaing fan in the back of the garage and a box fan pointing out of one of the windows.

 

[Highpsi]

I plan to get a dehumidifier.

Bingo. Do this immediately and then if you must try other more extreme measures you can. For me, I can have water droplets condensing on the garage floor and simply turning on the dehumidifier for a bit is fine.

Get a temp. and barometer gauge for the garage too.

 

[76zimmer]

As Dorian mentions any insulation will help stabilize the temp, if you open windows and suck in air it will bring the humidity with it on those humid days and condense on the cooler steel or concrete in the garage....insulation and dehumidification is the best control of humidity!